Meat handling equipment

ABSTRACT

A meat cleaning machine mounted over a circularly traveling meat receiving unit which moves the cleaned meat outward of the cleaning machine incorporates a pair of laterally adjustable sections each incorporating a wire-like rotating gripping roller which engage and move cuts of meat therebetween. A brush is associated with each roller for cooperation therewith in effecting a cleaning of the moved meat. Each roller is defined by a series of simultaneously driven toothed rings mounted on and traveling about arcuate spaced shields or supports.

[ Jan. 1, 1974 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS XXX lil 299 800mm HQQUUU 8008 999 u .u lll Russell.....,........................

Mmun 3mm mgfuu FECRR 92689 266667 999999 HHHHHH 5 649 643498 898 62 863996 938830 33333 Troy, Ohio [22] Filed: Sept. 2, 1971 [2|] Appl. No.: 177,302

Primary ExaminerEdward L. Roberts AttorneyLawrence B. Biebel et al.

[57] ABSTRACT A meat cleaning machine mounted over a circularly traveling meat receiving unit which moves the cleaned meat outward of the cleaning machine incorporates a pair of laterally adjustable sections each incorporating a wire-like rotating gripping roller which engage and move cuts of meat therebetween. A brush is associated with each roller for cooperation therewith in effecting a cleaning of the moved meat. Each roller is defined by a series of simultaneously driven toothed rings mounted on and traveling about arcuate spaced shields or supports.

14 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures is a is a

Pat. No. in-part of Ser.

which which Related U.S. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 877,229, Nov. 17, I969, Pat. No. 3,606,628,

Pat. No. 3,478,380,

No. 704,971, Jan. I5, I968,

I967, abandoned, and Ser. No.

l5/3.l7 l5/3.l;198/l82, 209

continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 583,206, Sept. 30, I966, Pat. No. 3,389,4l4, and a continuation-in-part of Ser.

Nos. 583,206, Aug. 5, I966, abandoned, and Ser. No. 570,6I6, Aug. 9,

continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 734,729, June 5 I968,

3,439,369, which is a continuation 659,937, Aug. 9, I967, abandoned.

[52] U.S. [SI] lnt.Cl [58] Field of Search......................

PATENTEDJAH 1 I974 3181.936

sum 1 nr 7 Harm an F. RU ssel/ PATENTEDJM H974 3.781.936

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PATENTED AN 1 74 SHEU 5 0f 7 Herman F Russell PATENTEU 4 SHEU 8 0F 7 Herman F Russe/i PAIENTEU H974 SHEET 7 OF 7 xoxuxmqo BEES Q SE mun m \b Herman E Russe/l INVESTOR.

9 BY am! 1 MEAT HANDLING EQUIPMENT This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 877,229, filed Nov. 17, 1969, and now U.S. Pat. No. 3,606,628, for Table Mountable Meat Cleaning Machine," which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 734,729, filed June 5, 1968 for Automatic Meat Cleaning Apparatus, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,478,380. Application Ser. No. 734,729 is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 583,206, filed Sept. 30, 1966 and now U.S. Pat. No. 3,389,414 for Automatic Meat Handling and Cleaning Machine, and also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 704,971, filed Jan. 15, 1968, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,439,369 for Meat Cleaning Apparatus. Application Ser. No. 704,97] is in turn a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 583,206 supra and of abandoned application Ser. Nos. 570,616 and 659,397, filed Aug. 5, 1966 and Aug. 9, 1967, respectively.

The instant invention is concerned with new and useful improvements in meat handling systems and equipment which contribute to the efficient and rapid handling of meat from the time immediately subsequent to the cutting of the meat through the wrapping stage.

The primary equipment included in the system comprises a meat cleaning machine which is basically similar to that disclosed in copending application Ser. No. 877,229, particularly with regard to the mounting and overall operation thereof. However, significant structural differences are present which combine to increase the efficiency and operability of the machine in order to more effectively perform its primary function, that of receiving a cut ofmeat, automatically adjusting itself to the thickness of thecut and automatically moving the meat through a cleaning operation which effectively cleans both sides thereof, removing bone dust, marrow, meat particles and the like prior to an automatic discharge of the meat. The equipment also includes an underlying circularly traveling receiving table, much in the nature of a lazy susan," which receives the cleaned meat and moves it outward from the side located machine in a manner whereby an operator can easily remove the meat and transfer it to an adjacent trimming table at which point the final trimming is performed and the meat placed directly into an ad joining wrapping machine.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the meat cleaning machine and underlying rotatable meat transferring table;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the meat machine with the transfer table shown in section;

FIG. 3 is a rear view ofthe equipment with portions broken away for purposes of illustration;

FIG, 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through the meat cleaning machine;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal cross section through one of the cleaning heads or sections;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the major components of one of the sections;

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the adjustable stop means which can be selectively used to limit the movement of the movable sections;

FIG. 8 is a detail of one of the brush blades; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the overall system within which'the cleaning and transfer equipment is incorporated. I

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, the meat handling system of the invention includes a meat cleaning machine 10 operatively mounted over a rotating meat transferring table 12.

An enlarged mobile base 14 mounts the table 12 and the meat cleaning machine 10 and contains the power source for the various operating components, such having been illustrated as comprising three motor 16, 18 and 20.

The table 12 is orientated at an upward inclination with the cleaned meat discharging from the machine 10 falling on the lower portion thereof and being elevated to an upper point at which the meat is manually removed from the table for further handling. The table 12 is positioned in spaced overlying relation to a lower support platform 16 by means of suitable slides, bearings, or the like 18 which enable a free traveling rotation of the table 12 over the platform 16 and about a central pivot area 20. Any appropriate drive can be used for the table 12. For example, as illustrated in the drawings, a rim engaging friction wheel unit 22, powered from the motor 16 through a powercable 24, would effectively provide the desired smooth rotational movement of the table 12 about the central pivot area 20 on the support platform 16.

The table 12 is provided with a meat receiving covering thereon in the nature of a series of segment shaped trays 26, each provided with a mesh or screen-like body, a rigid wire frame, and an arcuate outer flange 34. The central portion of the table 12 is provided with a series of radially inwardly projecting lugs 28 with which the inner loops 30 of the trays 26, such loops extending inwardly beyond the screen portions of the trays, engage. The adjoining trays 26 are separated by upstanding dividers 32 affixed to the table 12 adjacent the outer edge thereof which projects beyond the aligned outer flanges 34 of the trays whereby an edge for the friction drive roller is provided. The outer periphery of each of the trays 26 fits within the encircling band 34. When it is desired to remove a tray, the outer portion thereof is raised slightly and the loop forming inner portion thereofis slid inward so as to clear the associated lug 28. ()nce the looped portion 30 clears the lug 28, the tray is raised and removed. The use of the trays 26, normally foursuch trays being provided, is considered particularly significant in insuring the cleanliness of the product. For example, should any loose particles of fat fall from a cut of meat, such particles will pass freely through the supporting screen-like surface of the tray and will not be retained on the tray so as to stick to or soil a subsequent piece of meat falling thereon.

' In order to mount the meat cleaning machine so as to discharge the cleaned meat on the lower portion of the revolving table 12, an enlarged support arm 36 is provided, this arm 36 rising from the base 14 outward of the periphery of the table 12 and curving inwardly thereover so as to provide a stable mount for the machine 10.

As with the machine in application Ser. No. 877,229, the machine is formed at an inclination with similar lower and upper sections 38 and 40, both including a housing 42 which consists basically of opposed front and rear walls 44 and 46, and an elongated outer wall 48 extending therebetween. The lower section 38, and more particularly the housing 42 thereof, is affixed to the support or mount 36. The upper section 40 is mounted for sliding movement toward and away from the lower section 38 by means of front and rear elongated rods 50 affixed to the front and rear housing walls 44 and 46 of the lower section 38 and projecting upwardly therefrom. The corresponding front and rear walls 44 and 46 of the upper section 40 are in turn provided with elongated sleeves 52 which are slidably received over the rods 50 to enable the aforementioned sliding movement of the upper section 40 along the rods 50 toward and away from the lower section 38. It will of course be appreciated that the sliding movement is to enable an automatic accommodation of cuts of meat of different thicknesses. An appropriate retaining catch 54 and cooperating sleeve -56 can also be provided to temporarily hold the upper section 40 in an upwardly withdrawn position. The aforedescribed construction is similar to that set forth in application Ser. No. 877,229, and as such, a further elaboration thereof is not considered necessary herein.

The actual gripping and movement of the meat through the cleaning machine 10 is effected by a pair of opposed wirelike cylinders or cylindrical rollers 58, one mounted within each of the sections 38 and 40. Each roller 58 includes a pair of rigid annular end rings 60 interconnected by elongated arcuate upper and lower positioning shields 62 and.64, the opposite ends of which are received within the opposed mounting rings 60 and affixed thereto by appropriate bolt means or the like. The positioning shields 62 and 64 mount a series of annular blades or gripping rings 66 at equally spaced points therealong between the two mounting rings 60. Each of the gripping rings 66 is provided with a uniformly serrated or toothed outer edge which functions to insure a proper, positive yet non-compacting gripping of the meat. In addition, the toothed edges of the rings are utilized in the simultaneous driving of the rings of each roller 58. In order properly to orient and slidably maintain each of the gripping rings 66 about the two positioning shields 62 and 64, the upper shield 64 is provided, along both longitudinal edges thereof, with a series of alternately offset spaced positioning lugs 68, the spacing between each pair of lugs being sufficient so as to maintain one of the rings 66 for sliding movement in response to a rotational driving thereof. The specific height and configuration of the lugs 68 will be such so as to maintain the rings'vertical and preclude any longitudinal shifting or disorientation thereof. The lower positioning shield 64 includes similar stabilizing lugs 68 along the rear edge thereof, that is the edge outward of the portion of the roller which is to combine with the second roller in defining the meat path through the cleaning machine 10. The inner longitudinal edge of the lower shield 64 is provided with a plurality of enlarged arcuate lugs 70 of a height so as to project substantially beyond the gripping rings 66. These lugs 70 also act so as to guide and closely retain the rings. In addition, the lugs 70, due to the substantial height thereof, and the arcuate forward face through which the rings move when driven, effectively clean the rings, removing any scraps which might tend to cling thereto. In this manner, clean unencumbered gripping teeth will be insured.

Each of the end mounting rings 58 is provided with an integral radially outwardly projecting enlargement or ear 72 which rotatably mounts a laterally directed inwardly projecting bearing sleeve 74, the sleeves 74 of each pair of mounting rings 60 being aligned and mounting a tubular ribbed drive shaft 76. The ribs of the shaft 76 are so sized, and the shaft 76 so orientated as to mesh with the teeth of the gripping rings 66 whereby a synchronized driving of the rings 66 of the roller 58 will be effected upon a rotational driving of the shaft 76. The two bearing sleeves 74 which mount the shaft 76 have square internal passages therethrough for the reception of an elongated square drive pin 78. The pin 78, noting FIG. 5 in particular, is inserted through an enlarged opening in the front wall 44 and extends through the aligned bearing sleeves 74 and intermediate supported shaft 76 with the inserted end of the pin 78- engaging within an appropriate rear wall mounted drive unit 80 which is sprocket driven in a manner which shall be set forth subsequently. The drive pin 78 is appropriately locked into position for rotational driving by a pivotally swinging lever 82 mounted on the front wall 44 and engaging the pin 78 immediately inward of the enlarged manipulating head 84 provided thereon. An appropriate collar will be provided for engagement by the lever 82. in order to facilitate the insertion of the drive pin 78, each of the bearing sleeves 74 will also both be provided with a tapered or conically formed mouth at the end thereof into which the pin is to be inserted, for example as indicated by reference numeral 86. In order to properly seat the roller or cylinder 58, the integral ears 72 of the mounting rings 60 are seated within inwardly directed seats 88 provided on the inner face of each of the walls 44 and 46.

It is contemplated that each of the gripping cylinders 58 be rotatable about the seat mounted ears 72, to a small degree, so as to make such adjustments in the orientation of the opposed cylinders to insure a proper engagement and movement of the meat. As such, an elongated shaft 90 extends between and is rotatably mounted on the front and rear walls 44 and 46 parallel to and immediately outward of each cylinder 54. This shaft 90, the rotation of which is controlled by a front mounted knob 92, mounts a pair of eccentric or camming collars 94, each of which engages one of the mounting rings 60 for a biasing of the mounting rings 60, and hence the entire gripping cylinder 58 to the desired rotated position. It will be appreciated that the positioning collars 94 and drive shaft 76, in combination with the ear seats 88 effectively cradle and seat the cylinders 58 for the desired rotational driving thereof while at the same time allowing for a simplified dismantling of the equipment for cleaning, repair and the like.

With reference to FIG. 4, slight differences will be noted in the construction of the various equivalent components of the lower and upper sections 38 and 40. Such differences arise from the inclination of the cleaning machine 10. For example, a pair of leaf retaining springs 96 are utilized in the upper section 40 to resiliently retain the associated upper gripping roller 68. These springs 96 bear against the corresponding mounting rings 60 and positively retain the cylinder 58 while still allowing for the slight camming adjustment thereof by the shaft mounted camming means 94. In addition, the ring cleaning lugs 70, which also function so as to guide the dropping meat and protect the drive shaft 78, vary in the overall shape thereof between the upper and lower cylinders 58 in that the lugs 70 on the lower cylinder 58 are relatively longer and provide a greater guide surface forward of the associated drive shaft 76 past which the meat will fall subsequent to the cleaning thereof effected between the cylinders 58.

The actual cleaning of the cut of meat as it is moved vertically downwardly between the sections 38 and 40 by the parallel gripping rollers 58 is effected by a pair of elongated brushes or brush units 98, one mounted so as to extend longitudinally through each cylinder 58 adjacent the inner periphery thereof so as to engage, through the moving and gripping ring 66, the downwardly moving cut of meat. The ring cylinders rotate inwardly and downwardly so as to grip and downwardly move a cut of meat at a predetermined rate. At the same time, the brushes rotate upwardly and outwardly so as to engage the opposed sides of the cut of meat and effect an upward brushing and scraping of the surface particles therefrom. Each brush 98 includes an elongated central shaft 100 which, along a major portion of the length thereof sufficient so as to substantially correspond to the length of the cylinder 58, mounts a series of brushing or scraping members 102, each of which includes a central hub 104 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radiating generally flat flexible fins 106. The brushing members 102 are frictionally retained on the shaft 100, each being slightly rotatably offset from the adjacent member 102 so as to define a spiraling pattern of fins or blades 106 along the length of the shaft 100. This spiraling arrangement will effect a progressive engagement with the meat and thereby provide for a balanced operation of the brush 98. With reference to FIG. 8 in particular, it will be noted that each of the fins or brushing blades 106 has a cross section which tapers gradually outward from the central hub for approximately half its length and continues to the free end thereof with a narrow flat configuration. Formed in this manner, the flexible fins will effectively brush the meat, flexing as they do so, and, upon release of engagement from the meat, as well as an associated scraper to be described subsequently, straighten slowly, quietly and smoothly, avoiding an unnecessary and possibly detrimental flapping action. Incidentally, it will be noted that the hubs 104 are slightly thicker than the associated fins 106. In this manner, a slight spacing is provided between fins of adjacent members 102, these spacings being so orientated as to correspond to the gripping rings 66 so as to allow for a smooth movement of the rings and fins by and relative to each other as they move in opposite directions.

The shaft 100 also mounts a pair of spacers 108 provided thereon at the opposite ends of the brushing portion formed by the members 102. Each of the spacers 108 is rotatably mounted within a collar 110 through an interposed bearing 109. The collar 110 is provided with an outwardly projecting positioning pin 112 parallelihg the central shaft 100 in outwardly spaced relation thereto/With reference to FIG. 5, it will be noted that the rear wall includes an aperture 114 formed therein which receives the positioning pin 112 on the rearmost bearing mounted collar 110, thus retaining the associated bearing 109 and allowing a rotation of the brush shaft and bristles or fins therewith. The rear end of the shaft 100 interlocks with a drive shaft 111 beyond the bearing 109. This drive shaft 111 projects forwardly from a drive unit 116, into engagement with the brush shaft and rearwardly for stabilized rotational reception within an inwardly projecting retaining socket 118 on an appropriate drive train cover 120 mounted exteriorly over the rear wall 46. The brush or brush unit 98 is thus cantilevered through the corresponding cylinder or roller 58 from the driven rear thereof. In order to maintain the fins 106 in a continuous clean condition, an elongated relatively narrow arcuate scraper 122 is provided along the brush unit 98 immediately to the rear of the rotating fins 106 and so positioned as to engage and cause a flexing of the fins and a corresponding scraping of the food particles therefrom. This scraper 122 has the opposite ends thereof bolted or otherwise suitably affixed to the two end collars 110 on the brush shaft 100. FIG. 4 is of interest in illustrating the manner in which the brush fins 106 engage the scraper 122 and flex inwardly thereof while the scraps thereon will fall therefrom over the outer surface of the scraper 122. The spiral arrangement of the fins 106 allows for a smooth sequential flexing of the fins along the length of the brush so as to not interfere with the rotational driving of the brush. in addition, the particular cross section of the fins, as illustrated in FIG. 8, insures a smooth flexing and return of the fins to their outwardly extended operational position.

An elongated scrap tray 124 is positioned longitudinally within each cylinder or cylindrical roller 58 slightly to the rear and below the associated brush unit 98. Each scrap tray 124 has a generally arcuate body extending between a rear wall 126, including a relieved portion 128 to accommodate the brush unit, and an enlarged flat front wall 130 which engages against and encloses the enlarged access recess provided in the front wall 44 of the corresponding housing 42. The arcuate body 124 includes a relatively low inside wall 132 and a relatively high outside wall 134. The tray 124, when positioned, noting FIG. 4 in particular, is so oriented whereby the scraps scraped by the corresponding brush unit 98 will, particularly upon engagement of the fins 106 with the scraper 122, be discharged into the scrap tray 124 over the low front wall 132 thereof, the high rear wall 134 being in the nature of a catcher or backstop for the scraps. The removal and emptying of the scrap tray 124 is simplified by the provision of an enlarged handle 136 on the front wall 130 thereof. Further, proper orientation of the scrap tray is insured through the use of one or more locating pins 138 thereon, note FIG. 5 in particular. In addition, the front wall 130 of the scrap tray 124 is appropriately apertured to receive both the front end of the brush shaft 100 and the front locating pin 112 on the front brush shaft collar 110. Noting FIGS. 1 and 2, releasable retention of each of the scrap trays 124 is effected by pivotally mounted retaining ears 140 on the housing front wall 44 which can be selectively swung into overlying relation to the tray front wall 130 upon a mounting thereof.

With reference to FIG. 3, it will be noted that the components of each of the sections 38 and 40 are driven by separate motors 18 and 20 through individual drive or power transmitting lines, each of which engages an appropriate gear box 142 incorporating an appropriate sprocket gear 144 which in turn drives an endless chain 146 engaged about appropriate sprocket gears 148 and 150 on the cylinder and brush driving drive units 80 and 116. As previously indicated, the driving of the components in this manner will result in an inward and downward rotation of the two gripping and moving cylinders in conjunction with an upward and outward rotation of the two brush units.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, it is contemplated that one or both of the slide rods 50 be provided with a set of adjustable stops 152 consisting of three different length angle rods 154 mounted on the rod 50 adjacent the upper edge of the housing 42 of the lower section 38 by appropriate bracket means 156. The angle members 154 are spring secured and selectively swung outward and upward into the path of the gradually advancing upper section 40 so as to limit the downward sliding thereof. Such an adjustable stop unit is significant in accommodating thicker cuts of meat in that the movement of one section toward the other will be limited and thus avoid the exertion of excess compressive force on the thicker slices or cuts of meat. It is contemplated that the stops will only be required for cuts of meat over l /i inches thick with the thinner cuts being easily accommodated between the cylinders 58 without requiring the movement limiting stops.

The introduction of the meat into the meat cleaning machine 40 is to be effected over the inwardly and downwardly rotating cylinder 58 of the lower section 38, the meat being placed on the upper surface thereof and carried therearound for engagement by the second cylinder. A combined shield and backstop 158 is provided at the upper intake portion of the machine. The shielding unit 158 includes a flat panel 160 angled upwardly from a lower edge in spaced relation above the upper portion of the upper section 40 to an upper edge generally vertically over the central portion of the lower section 38, providing in effect a guide surface to the central portion of the machine or the meat path between the two rollers 58. A series of closely adjacent flexible shielding strips 162 depend from the upper forward edge of the panel 160 to a point immediately above the cylinder 58 of the lower section 38. These strips I62 are preferably transparent so as to allow for a continued viewing of the entry area of the machine and freely flex upon the introduction of a cut of meat therethrough. The mounting of the unit 158 is effected by an elongated rigid mounting arm 164 depending at an angle from one end of the backstop panel 160 and having its lower socketed end telescopically engagable over an appropriate upstanding lug 166 rigid with the back wall of the lower section 38.

In order to enable the overall system to accommodate all cuts of meat, even those of a size incapable of movement through the cleaning machine itself, an elongated inclined chute 166 is mounted adjacent the front of the cleaning machine 10 and directed down ward on the upwardly traveling side of the rotating table 12. In this manner, large pieces of meat can be taken directly from the saw, and rather than being introduced to the system through the meat cleaning machine 10, can be placed on the chute 166 for a sliding depositing thereof directly onto the table 12 which in turn will transfer the meat directly to a handler at an adjacent trimming table. The mounting of the chute 166 will normally be effected through a laterally directed rod 168 pivotally received through a pair of upstanding lugs 170 fixed to the support bracket 36 immediately below the outer wall 48 of the lower housing 42 to enable a rotation of the chute 166 between its in use position, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and a backwardly swung out of use position. It will of course be appreciated that an appropriate stop is associated with the chute so as to properly oriented the chute when in use over the revolving table 12. The stop can consist of a projecting stub shaft along the inner wall of the chute 166 which rests on the adjoining rod 50.

The overall system, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 9, is in itselfa highly significant improvement over more conventional meat handling systems which require excessive handling of the meats and the use of conveyors to transport the meats between the various operative stations. Basically, the system of the instant invention involves the positioning of the combined cleaning machine and receiving rotating table 12 immediately adjacent the cutting saw whereby the meat, upon being cut, can be dropped directly into the cleaning machine where it is positively gripped and slowly fed vertically downward past a pair of upwardly rotating brushes for subsequent discharge to the underlying rotating table which carries the meat upwardly and outwardly to an adjacent trim table. One or more handlers take the meat from the table 12 and effect any necessary trimming directly at the trimming table where the meat, after being trimmed, is either loaded directly into an appropriate plastic tray, taken from an adjacent revolving tray rack, and placed directly into a wrapping machine, also so positioned as to enable the one handler to directly transfer the tray supported meat thereto without requiring conveying or stacking, or directly introduced to the hand wrap station. The meat is, in either case, then placed into the scaling and labelling machine.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the system of the instant invention, unique in its overall concept, incorporates an improved and highly practical meat cleaning machine as well as an associated revolving table which receives the cleaned meat and effects an outward conveying thereof for movement through the remainder of the system. In the cleaning machine, the meat is received and vertically guided by a pair of oppositely rotating cylinders formed, in each instance, of a series of independent gripping rings with toothed exteriors provided both for a firm yet non-compacting gripping of the meat and for driving engagement with a ribbed drive shaft. Each ring cylinder is adjustable within a limited range so as to vary the specific orientation thereof which will in turn vary the relationship of the rings to an internal revolving brush, the bristles or fins of which selectively project through the spaced rings for cleaning engagement with the cut of meat. The rings travel over upper and lower shields which guide and retain the rings, the shields being so spaced as to allow for a proper orientation of the brush and an operative engagement of the brush with the moving meat. It will also of course be appreciated that the materials used throughout the machine, whether of plastic or metal, are appropriate for use in food handling equipment, enabling the provision of sterile food engaging components, easily cleaned and maintained. As a safety factor, noting FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, the area immediately below the rollers is outwardly enlarged or open and the shielding unit is mounted solely on the .rear of the machine. Thus, should an operator inadvertently catch his hand or arm in the machine, it will pass freely through with little or no injury.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows;

1. A meat cleaning machine comprising a supporting structure, first and second cooperating cleaning sections on said support structure, each cleaning section rotatably mounting an elongated meat gripping and moving cylinder, said cylinders being oriented in laterally spaced parallel relation to each other and defining a path therebetween for movement of meat therealong by said cylinders, each cylinder comprising a plurality of gripping rings, internal mounting members for said gripping rings, said members extending internally through said rings and contacting the internal surfaces ofthe rings at at least three separate points on each ring which points are so located with respect to the centers of the rings that each ring is constrained from shifting to an eccentric position, means on said members for separating said rings in coaxial spaced relation to each other, rotation of each cylinder being effected by a simultaneous rotation of each of the rings thereof about the corresponding members, means for rotatably driving the rings of eacy cylinder in a synchronized manner, and inwardly directed meat cleaning means mounted within each cylinder and projecting sufficiently through the spaces between said rings and into the path defined between said cylinders to engage and clean the opposed faces of a piece of meat moved therealong by said cylinders.

2. The machine of claim 1 wherein one of said sections is mounted slightly above and to one side of the other section, and mounting means mounting said one section relative to the other section for a gravity induced movement toward the other section and a gravity resisted movement away from the other section along a predetermined path, the movement of the one section relative to the other section being responsive to the thickness of the particular cut of meat introduced therebetween.

3. The machine of claim 1 wherein the members in each cylinder include spaced upstanding projections, each pair of which receives and guides one of the rings therethrough.

4. The machine of claim 3 wherein said projections are of a lesser height than said rings and oriented in an alternately staggered relationship to each other along at least one edge of each member.

5. The machine of claim 4 wherein each cylinder includes a mounting ring at each end thereof, said members extending between and being affixed to said mounting rings, and means for effecting a slight rotational adjustment of each cylinder about an axis laterally outward thereof.

6. The machine of claim 5 including an elongated scrap receiving tray mounted longitudinally within each cylinder outward and slightly below the corresponding meat cleaning means for a reception of the cleaned scraps therefrom.

7. The machine of claim 6 wherein each meat cleaning means comprises a brush unit including an elongated shaft having a plurality of radially extending flaps mounted thereon, each flap being flexible and longitudinally spaced from the adjoining longitudinally oriented flap sufficiently to accommodate one of the gripping rings therebetween.

8. The machine of claim 7 including a pair of collars positioned to the opposite sides of said flaps and rotatably receiving the flap mounting shaft therethrough, and an elongated flap scraper secured to and between said collars for selective engagement by the corresponding flaps upon a rotation of the shaft and flaps therewith, the scraper being oriented to direct the scraped particles from the flaps into the associated scrap tray.

9. The machine of claim 8 including a rotatably mounted table positioned below and in meat receiving orientation relative to said path defined between the meat gripping and moving cylinders, said path discharging on said table toward one edge thereof whereby a rotation of said table will effect an outward directing of the received cleaned meat to an easily accessible point outward of the path between these cylinders.

10. The machine of claim 9 wherein said table is oriented at an upward inclination with the surface thereof incorporating a series of segmentally shaped removable screen-like trays. r

11. A meat cleaning machine comprising a supporting structure, first and second cooperating cleaning sections on said support structure, mounting means mounting one of said sections slightly above and to one side of the other section for a gravity induced movement toward the other section and a gravity resisted movement away from the other section along a predetermined path, adjustable stop means for selectively limiting the movement of the one section toward the other section at any one of a plurality of points, each cleaning section rotatably mounting an elongated meat gripping and moving cylinder, said cylinders being oriented in laterally spaced parallel relation to each other and defining a path therebetween for movement of meat therealong by said cylinders, each cylinder comprising a plurality of gripping rings, spaced arcuate guide members mounting said rings in coaxial spaced relation to each other, rotation of each cylinder being effected by a simultaneous rotation of each of the rings thereof about the corresponding arcuate guide members, and means for rotatably driving the rings of each cylinder in a synchronized manner, and inwardly directed meat cleaning means mounted within each cylinder and sufficiently projectable into the path defined therebetween so as to engage and clean the opposed faces of a piece of meat moved therealong by said cylinders, the movement of the one cleaning section relative to the other section being responsive to the thickness of the particular cut of meat introduced therebetween.

12. A meat cleaning machine comprising a supporting structure, at least one cleaning section on said support structure, said cleaning section rotatably mounting an elongated meat gripping and moving cylinder, said cylinder being oriented adjacent a path for movement of meat therepast, said cylinder comprising a plurality of gripping rings, internal mounting members for said gripping rings, said members extending internally through saidrings and contacting the internal surfaces of the rings at at least three separate points on each ring which points are so located with respect to the centers piece of meat moved therepast.

13. The machine of claim 12 wherein the members in said cylinder include spaced upstanding projections, each pair of which receives and guides one of the rings therethrough.

14. The machine of claim 13 wherein said projections are ofa lesser height than said rings and oriented in an alternately staggered relationship to each other along at least one edge of each member.

Page 1 of 7 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Inventofls) Herman F. Russell It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent Q and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Delete Columns 1 thru 12 and insert the attached Columns 1 thru 12, respectively.

This Certificate is to supersede Certificate which issued 0 August 24, 1976.

Signed and Scaled this T wenty-first D 3) Of February I978 [SEAL] Arrest.-

RUTH C. MASON LUTRELLE PARKER A nesting Officer Acting Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks MEAT HANDLING EQUIPMENT CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 877,229, filed Nov. 17, 1969, and now U.S. Pat. No. 3,606,628, for Table Mountable Meat Cleaning Machine, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 734,729, filed June 5, 1968 for Automatic Meat Cleaning Apparatus, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,478,380. Application Ser. No. 734,729 is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 583,206, filed Sept. 30, 1966 and now U.S. Pat. No. 3,389,414 for Automatic Meat Handling and Cleaning Machine, and also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 704,971, filed Jan. 15, 1968, now US. Pat. No. 3,439,369 for Meat Cleaning Apparatus. Application Ser. No. 704,971 is in turn a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 583,206 supra and of abandoned application Ser. Nos. 570,616 and 659,397, filed Aug. 5, 1966 and Aug. 9, 1967, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The instant invention is concerned with new and useful improvements in meat handling systems and equipment which contribute to the efficient and rapid handling of meat from the time immediately subsequent to the cutting of the meat through the wrapping stage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The primary equipment included in the system comprises a meat cleaning machine which is basically similar to that disclosed in Us. Pat. No. 3,606,628, particularly with regard to the mounting and overall operation thereof. However, significant structural differences are present which combine to increase the efficiency and operability of the machine in order more effectively to perform its primary function, that of receiving a cut of meat, automatically adjusting itself to the thickness of the cut and automatically moving the meat through a cleaning operation which effectively cleans both sides thereof, removing bone dust, marrow, meat particles and the like prior to an automatic discharge of the meat. The equipment also includes an underlying circularly traveling receiving table, much in the nature of a lazy susan, which receives the cleaned meat and moves it outward from the side located machine in .a manner whereby an operator can easily remove the meat and transfer it to an adjacent trimming table at which point the final trimming is performed and the meat placed directly into an adjoining wrapping machine.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the meat cleaning machine and underlying rotatable meat transferring table;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the meat machine with the transfer table shown in section;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the equipment with portions broken away for purposes of illustration;

Page 2 of 7 2 FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through the meat cleaning machine;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal cross section through one of the cleaning heads or sections;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the major components of one of the sections;

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the adjustable stop means which can be selectively used to limit the movement of the movable sections;

FIG. 8 is a detail of one of the brush blades; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the overall system within which the cleaning and transfer equipment is incorporated.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now more specifically to the drawings, the meat handling system of the invention includes a meat cleaning machine 10 operatively mounted over a rotating meat transferring table 12.

An enlarged mobile base 14 mounts the table 12 and the meat cleaning machine 10 and contains the power source for the various operating components, such having been illustrated as comprising three motor 15, 17 and 19.

The table 12 is oriented at an upward inclination with the cleaned meat discharging from the machine 10 falling on the lower portion thereof and being elevated to an upper point at which the meat is manually removed from the table for further handling. The table 12 is positioned in spaced overlying relation to a lower support platform 16 by means of suitable slides, bearings, or the like 18 which enable a free traveling rotation of the table Hover the platform 16 and about a central pivot area 20. Any appropriate drive can be used for the table .12. For example, as illustrated in the drawings, a rim engaging friction wheel unit 22, powered from the motor through a power cable 24, would effectively provide the desired smooth rotational movement of the table 12 about the central pivot area 20 on the support platform 16.

The table 12 is provided with a meat receiving covering thereon in the nature of a series of segment shaped trays 26, each provided with a mesh or screen-like body, a rigid wire frame, and an arcuate outer flange 34. The central portion of the table 12 is provided with a series of radially inwardly projecting lugs 28 with which the inner loops 30 of the trays 26, such loops extending inwardly beyond the screen portions of the trays, engage. The adjoining trays 26 are separated by upstanding dividers 32 affixed to the table 12 adjacent the outer edge thereof which projects beyond the aligned outer flanges 34 of the trays whereby an edge for the friction drive roller is provided. The outer periphery of each of the trays 26 fits within the encircling band 34. When it is desired to remove a tray, the outer portion thereof is raised slightly and the loop forming inner portion thereof is slid inward so as to clear the associated lug 28. Once the looped portion 30 clears the lug 28, the tray is raised and removed. The use of the trays 26, normally four such trays being provided, is considered particularly significant in insuring the cleanliness of the product. For example, should any loose particles of fat fall from a cut of meat, such particles will pass freely through the supporting screen-like surface of the tray and will not be retained on the tray so as to stick to or soil a subsequent piece of meat falling thereon.

In order to mount the meat cleaning machine so as to discharge the cleaned meat on the lower portion of the revolving table 12, an enlarged support arm 36 is provided, this arm 36 rising from the base 14 outward of the periphery of the table 12 and curving inwardly thereover so as to provide a stable mount for the machine 10. As with the machine in US. Pat. No. 3,606,628, the machine is formed at an inclination with similar lower and upper sections 38 and 40, both including a housing 42 which consists basically of opposed front and rear walls 44 and 46, and an elongated outer wall 48 extending therebetween. The lower section 38, and more particularly the housing 42 thereof, is affixed to the support or mount 36. The upper section 40 is mounted for sliding movement toward and away from the lower section 38 by means of front and rear elongated rods 50 affixed to the front and rear housing walls 44 and 46 of the lower section 38 and projecting upwardly therefrom. The corresponding front and rear walls 44 and 46 of the upper section 40 are in turn provided with elongated sleeves 52 which are slidably received over the rods 50 to enable the aforementioned sliding movement of the upper section 40 along the rods 50 toward and away from the lower section 38. It will of course be appreciated that the sliding movement is to enable an automatic accommodation of cuts of meat of different thicknesses. An appropriate retaining catch54 and cooperating sleeve 56 can also be provided temporarily to hold the upper section 40 in an upwardly withdrawn position. The aforedescribed construction is sim- Q ilar to that set forth in US. Pat. No. 3,606,628, and as such, a further elaboration thereof is not considered necessary herein.

The actual gripping and movement of the meat through the cleaning machine 10 is effected by a pair of opposed wirelike cylinders or cylindrical rollers 58, one mounted within each of the sections 38 and 40. Each roller 58 includes a pair of rigid annular end rings 60 interconnected by elongated arcuate upper and lower positioning shields 62 and 64, the opposite ends of which are received within the opposed mounting rings 60 and affixed thereto by appropriate bolt means or the like. The positioning shields 62 and 64 mount a series of annular blades or gripping rings 66 at equally spaced points therealong between the two mounting rings 60.

Each of the gripping rings 66 is provided with a uniformly serrated or toothed outer edge which functions to insure a proper, positive yet non-compacting gripping of the meat. In addition, the toothed edges of the rings are utilized in the simultaneous driving of the rings of each roller 58. In order properly to orient and slidably maintain each of the gripping rings 66 about the two positioning shields 62 and 64, the upper shield 62 is provided, along both longitudinal edges thereof, with a series of alternately offset spaced positioning lugs 68, the spacing between each pair of lugs being sufficient so as to maintain one of the rings 66 for sliding movement in response to a rotational driving thereof. The specific height and configuration of the lugs 68 will be such as to maintain the rings vertical and preclude any longitudinal shifting or disorientation thereof. The lower positioning shield 64 includes similar stabilizing lugs 68 along the rear edge thereof, that is the edge outward of the portion of the roller which is to combine with the second roller in defining the meat path through the cleaning machine 10. The inner longitudinal edge of the lower shield 64 is provided with a plurality of enlarged arcuate lugs 70 of a height so as to project substantially 4 Page 3 of 7 beyond the gripping rings 66. These lugs also act so as to guide and closely retain the rings. In addition, the lugs 70, due to the substantial height thereof, and the arcuate forward face through which the rings move when driven, effectively clean the rings, removing any scraps which might tend to cling thereto. In this manner, clean unencumbered gripping teeth will be ensured.

Each of the end mounting rings 60 is provided with an integral radially outwardly projecting enlargement or ear 72 which rotatably mounts a laterally directed inwardly projecting bearing sleeve 74, the sleeves 74 of each pair of mounting rings 60 being aligned and mounting a tubular ribbed drive shaft 76. The ribs of the shaft 76 are so sized, and the shaft 76 so oriented as to mesh with the teeth of the gripping rings 66 whereby a synchronized driving of the rings 66 of the roller 58 will 7 be effected upon a rotational driving of the shaft 76. The two bearing sleeves 74 which mount the shaft 76 have square internal passages therethrough for the reception of an elongated square drive pin 78. The pin 78, noting FIG. 5 in particular, is inserted through an enlarged opening in the front wall 44 and extends through the aligned bearing sleeves 74 and intermediate supported shaft 76 with the inserted end of the pin 78 engaging within an appropriate rear wall mounted drive unit 80 which is sprocket driven in a manner which shall be set forth subsequently. The drive pin 78 is appropriately locked into position for rotational driving by a pivotal swinging lever 82 mounted on the front wall 44 and engaging the pin 78 immediately inward of the enlarged manipulating head 84 provided thereon. An appropriate collar will be provided for engagement by the lever 82. In order to facilitate the insertion of the drive'pin 78, each of the bearing sleeves 74 will also both be provided with a tapered or conically formed mouth at the end thereof into which the pin is to be inserted, for example as indicated by reference numeral 86. In order properly to seat the roller or cylinder 58, the integral ears 72 of the mounting rings 60 are seated within inwardly directed seats 88 provided on the inner face of each of the walls 44 and 46.

It is contemplated that each of the gripping cylinders 58 be rotatable about the seat mounted ears 72, to a small degree, so as to make such adjustments in the orientation of the opposed cylinders to insure a proper engagement and movement of the meat. As such, an elongated. shaft 90 extends between and is rotatably mounted on the front and rear walls 44 and 46 parallel to and immediately outward of each cylinder 58. This shaft 90, the rotation of which is controlled by a front mounted knob 92, mounts a pair of eccentric or camming collars 94, each of which engages one of the mounting rings 60 for a biasing of the mounting rings 60, and hence the entire gripping cylinder 58 to the desired rotated position. It will be appreciated that the positioning collars 94 and drive shaft 76, in combination with the ear seats 88 effectively cradle and seat the cylinders 58 for the desired rotational driving thereof while at the same time allowing for a simplified dismantling of the equipment for cleaning, repair and the like.

With reference to FIG. 4, slight differences will be noted in the construction of the various equivalent components of the lower and upper sections 38 and 40. Such differences arise from the inclination of the cleaning machine 10. For example, a pair of leaf retaining springs 96 are utilized in the upper section 40 resiliently to retain the associated upper gripping roller 58. These springs 96 bear against the corresponding mounting rings 60 and positively retain the cylinder 58 while still allowing for the slight camming adjustment thereof by the shaft mounted camming means 94. In addition, the ring cleaning lugs 70, which also function so as to guide the dropping meat and protect the drive shaft 76, vary in the overall shape thereof between the upper and lower cylinders 58 in that the lugs 70 on the lower cylinder 58 are relatively longer and provide a greater guide surface forward of the associated drive shaft 76 past which the meat will fall subsequent to the cleaning thereof effected between the cylinders 58.

The actual cleaning of the cut of meat as it is moved vertically downwardly between the sections 38 and 40 by the parallel gripping rollers 58 is effected by a pair of elongated brushes or brush units 98, one mounted so as to extend longitudinally through each cylinder 58 adjacent the inner periphery thereof so as to engage, through the moving and gripping ring 66, the downwardly moving cut of meat. The ring cylinders rotate inwardly and downwardly so as to grip and downwardly move a cut of meat at a predetermined rate. At the same time, the brushes rotate upwardly and outwardly so as to engage'the opposed sides of the cut of meat and effect an upward brushing and scraping of the surface particles therefrom. Each brush 98 includes an elongated central shaft 100 which, along a major portion of the length thereof sufficient so as to correspond substantially to the length of the cylinder 58, mounts a series of brushing or scraping members 102, each of which includes a central hub 104 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radiating generally flat flexible fins 106. The brushing members '102 are frictionally retained on the shaft 100, each being slightly rotatably offset from the adjacent member 102 so as to define a spiraling pattern of fins or blades 106 along the length of the shaft 100. This spiraling arrangement will effect a progressive engagement with the meat and thereby provide for a balanced operation of the brush 98. With reference to FIG. 8 in particular, it will be noted that each of the fins or brushing blades 106 has a cross section which tapers gradually outward from the central hub for approximately half its length and continues to the free end thereof with a narrow flat configuration.

Formed in this manner, the flexible fins will effectively brush the meat, flexing as they do so, and, upon release of engagement from the meat, as well as an associated scraper to be described subsequently, straighten slowly, quietly and smoothly, avoiding an unnecessary and possibly detrimental flapping action. Incidentally, it will be noted that the hubs 104 are slightly thicker than the associated fins 106. In this manner, a slight spacing is provided between tins of adjacent members 102, these spacings being so oriented as to correspond to the gripping rings 66 so as to allow for a smooth movement of the rings and fins by and relative to each other as they move in opposite directions.

The shaft 100 also mounts a pair of spacers 108 provided thereon at the opposite ends of the brushing portion formed by the members 102. Each of the spacers 108 is rotatably mounted within a collar 110 through an interposed bearing 109. The collar 110 is provided with an outwardly projecting positioning pin 112 paralleling the central shaft 100 in outwardly spaced relation thereto. With reference to FIG. 5, it will be noted that the rear wall includes an aperture 114 formed therein which receives the positioning pin 112 on the rearmost bearing mounted collar 110, thus retaining the associated bearing 109 and allowing a rotation of the brush 6 Page 4 o f 7 shaft and bristles or fins therewith. The rear end of the shaft interlocks with a drive shaft 111 beyond the bearing 109. This drive shaft 111 projects forwardly from a drive unit 116, into engagement with the brush shaft 100 and rearwardly for stabilized rotational reception within an inwardly projecting retaining socket 118 on an appropriate drive train cover 120 mounted exteriorly over the rear wall 46. The brush or brush unit 98 is thus cantilevered through the corresponding cylinderor roller 58 from the driven rear thereof. In order to maintain the fins 106 in a continuous clean condition, an elongated relatively narrow arcuate scraper 122 is provided along the brush unit 98 immediately to the rear of the rotating fins 106 and so positioned as to engage and cause a flexing of the fins and a corresponding scraping of the food particles therefrom. This scraper 122 has the opposite ends thereof bolted or otherwise suitably affixed to the two end collars 110 on the brush shaft 100. FIG. 4 is of interest in illustrating the manner in which the brush fins 106 engage the scraper 122 and flex inwardly thereof while the scraps thereon will fall therefrom over the outer surface of the scraper 122. The spiral arrangement of the fins 106 allows for a smooth sequential flexing of the fins along the length of the brush so as not to interfere with the rotational driving of the brush. In addition, the particular cross section of the fins, as illustrated in FIG. 8, insures a smooth flexing and return of the fins to their outwardly extended operational position.

An elongated scrap tray 124 is positioned longitudinally within each cylinder or cylindrical roller 58 slightly to the rear and below the associated brush unit 98. Each scrap tray 124 has a generally arcuate body extending between a rear wall 126, including a relieved portion 128 to accommodate the brush unit, and an enlarged flat front wall 130 which engages against and encloses the enlarged-access recess provided in the front wall 44 of the corresponding housing 42. The arcuate.

body 124 includes a relatively low inside wall 132 and a relatively high outside wall 134. The tray 124, when positioned, noting FIG. 4 in particular, is so oriented whereby the scraps scraped by the corresponding brush unit 98 will, particularly upon engagement of the fins 106 with the scraper 122, be discharged into the scrap tray 124 over the low inside wall 132 thereof, the high outside wall 134 being in the nature of a catcher or backstop for the scraps. The removal and emptying of the scrap tray 124 is simplified by the provision of an enlarged handle 136 on the front wall 130 thereof. Further, proper orientation of the scrap tray is insured through the use of one or more locating pins 138 thereon, note FIG. 5 in particular. In addition, the front wall 130 of the scrap tray 124 is appropriately apertured to receive both the front end of the brush shaft 100 and the front locating pin 112 on the front brush shaft collar 110. Noting FIGS. 1 and 2, releasable retention of each of the scrap trays 124 is effected by pivotally mounted retaining ears 140 on the housing front wall 44 which can be selectively swung into overlying relation to the tray front wall 130 upon a mounting thereof.

With reference to FIG. 3, it will be noted that the 116. As previously indicated, the driving of the components in this manner will result in an inward and downward rotation of the two gripping and moving cylinders in conjunction with an upward and outward rotation of the two brush units.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, it is contemplated that one or both of the slide rods 50 be provided with a set of adjustable stops 152 consisting of three different length angle rods 154 mounted on the rod 50 adjacent the upper edge of the housing 42 of the lower section 38 by appropriate bracket means 156. The angle members 154 are spring secured and selectively swung outward and upward into the path of the gradually advancing upper section 40 so as to limit the downward sliding thereof. Such an adjustable stop unit is significant in accommodating thicker cuts of meat in that the movement of one section toward the other will be limited and thus avoid the exertion of excess compressive force on the thicker slices or cuts of meat. It is contemplated that the stops will only be required for cuts of meat over 1:, inches thick with the thinner cuts being easily accommodated between the cylinders 58 without requiring the movement limiting stops.

The introduction of the meat into the meat cleaning machine is to be effected over the inwardly and downwardly rotating cylinder 58 of the lower section 38, the meat being placed on the upper surface thereof and carried therearound for engagement by the second cylinder. A combined shield and backstop 158 is provided .at the upper intake portion of the machine. The shielding unit 158 includes a flat panel 160 angled upwardly from a lower edge in spaced relation above the upper portion of the upper section 40 to an upper edge generally vertically over the central portion of the lower section 38, providing in effect a guide surface to the central portion of the machine or the meat path between the two rollers 58. A series of closely adjacent flexible shielding strips 162 depend from the upper forward edge of the panel 160 to a point immediately above the cylinder 58 of the lower section 38. These strips 162 are preferably transparent so as to allow for a continued viewing of the entry area of the machine and freely flexupon the introduction of a cut of meat therethrough. The mounting of the unit 158 is effected by an 6 elongated rigid mounting arm 164 depending at an angle from one end of the backstop panel 160 and having its lower socketed end telescopically engagable over an appropriate upstanding lug 166 rigid with the back wall of the lower section 38.

In order to enable the overall system to accommodate all cuts of meat, even those of a size incapable of movement through the cleaning machine itself, an elongated inclined chute 166 is mounted adjacent the front of the cleaning machine 10 and directed downward on the upwardly traveling side of the rotating table 12. In this manner, large pieces of meat can be taken directly from the saw, and rather than being introduced to the system through the meat cleaning machine 10, can be placed on the chute 166 for a sliding depositing thereof directly onto the table 12 which in turn will transfer the meat directly to a handler at an adjacent trimming table. The mounting of the chute 166 will normally be efected through a laterally directed rod 168 pivotally received through a pair of upstanding lugs 170 fixed to the support bracket 36 immediately below the outer wall 48 of the lower housing 42 to enable a rotation of the chute 166 between its in use position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and a backwardly swung out of use position. It will of 8 Page 5 of 7 course be appreciated that an appropriate stop is associated with the chute so as properly to orient the chute when in use over the revolving table 12. The stop can consist of a projecting stub shaft along the inner wall of 5 the chute 166 which rests on the adjoining rod 50.

The overall system, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 9, is in itself a highly significant improvement over more conventional meat handling systems which require excessive handling of the meats and the use of conveyors to transport the meats between the various operative stations. Basically, the system of the instant invention involves the positioning of the combined cleaning machine and receiving rotating table 12 immediately adjacent the cutting saw whereby the meat, 5 upon being cut, can be dropped directly into the cleaning machine where it is positively gripped and slowly fed vertically downward past a pair of upwardly rotating brushes for subsequent discharge to the underlying rotating table which carries the meat upwardly and outwardly to an adjacent trim table. One or more handlers take the meat from the table 12 and effect any necessary trimming directly at the trimming table where the meat, after being trimmed, is either loaded directly into an appropriate plastic tray, taken from an adjacent revolving tray rack, and placed directly into a wrapping machine, also so positioned as to enable the one handler directly to transfer the tray supported meat thereto without requiring conveying or stacking, or directly introduced to the hand wrap station. The meat is, in either case, then placed into the scaling and labelling machine.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the system of the instant invention, unique in its overall concept, incorporates an improved and highly practical meat cleaning machine as well as an associated revolving table which receives the cleaned meat and effects an outward conveying thereof for movement through the remainder of the system. In the cleaning machine, the meat is received and vertically guided by a pair of oppositely rotating cylinders formed, in each instance, of a series of independent gripping rings with toothed exteriors provided both for a firm yet non-compacting gripping of the meat and for driving engagement with a ribbed drive shaft. Each ring cylinder is adjustable within a limited range so as to vary the specific orientation thereof which will in turn vary the relationship of the rings to an internal revolving brush, the bristles or tins of which selectively project through the spaced rings for cleaning engagement with the cut of meat. The rings travel over upper and lower shields which guide and retain the rings, the shields being so spaced as to allow for a proper orientation of the brush and an operative engagement of the brush with the moving meat. It will also of course be appreciated that the materials used throughout the machine, whether of plastic or metal, are appropriate for use in food handling equipment, enabling the provision of sterile food engaging components, easily cleaned and maintained. As a safety factor, noting FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, the area immediately below the rollers is outwardly enlarged or open and the shielding unit is mounted solely on the rear of the machine. Thus, should an operator inadvertently catch his hand or arm in the machine, it will pass freely through with little or no injury.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A meat cleaning machine comprising a supporting structure, first and second cooperating cleaning sections on said support structure, each cleaning section rotatably mounting an elongated meat gripping and moving cylinder, said cylinders being oriented in laterally spaced parallel relation to each other and defining a path therebetween for movement of meat therealong by said cylinders, each cylinder comprising a plurality of gripping rings, internal mounting members for said gripping rings, said members extending internally through said rings and contacting the internal surfaces of the rings at least three separate points on each ring which points are so located with respect to the centers of the rings that each ring is constrained from shifting to an eccentric position, means on said members for separating said rings in coaxial spaced relation to each other, rotation of each cylinder being effected by a simultaneous rotation of each of the rings thereof about the corresponding members, means for rotatably driving the rings of each cylinder in a synchronized manner, and inwardly directed meat cleaning means mounted within each cylinder and projecting sufficiently through the spaces between said rings and into the path defined between said cylinders to engage and clean the opposed faces of a piece of meat moved therealong by said cylinders.

2. The machine of claim 1 wherein one of said sections is mounted slightly above and to one side of the other section, and mounting means mounting said one section relative to the other section for a gravity induced movement toward the other section and a gravity resisted movement away from the other section along a predetermined path, the movement of the one section relative to the other section being responsive to the thickness of the particular cut of meat introduced therebetween.

3. The machine of claim 1 wherein the members in each cylinder include spaced upstanding projections,

each pair of which receives and guides one of the rings therethrough.

4. The machine of claim 3 wherein said projections are of a lesser height than said rings and oriented in an alternately staggered relationship to each other along at least one edge of each member.

5. A meat cleaning machine comprising a supporting structure, at least one cleaning section on said support structure, said cleaning section rotatably mounting an elongated meat gripping and moving cylinder, said cylinder being oriented adjacent a path for movement of meat therepast, said cylinder comprising a plurality of gripping rings, internal mounting members for said gripping rings, said members extending internally through said rings and contacting the internal surfaces of the rings at least three separate points on each ring which points are so located with respect to the centers Page 6 of 7 10 of the rings that each ring is constrained from shifting to an eccentric position, means on said members for separating said rings in coaxial spaced relation to each other, rotation of said cylinder being effected by a simultaneous rotation of each of the rings thereof about the corresponding members, means for rotatably driving the rings of said cylinder in a synchronized manner, and inwardly directed meat cleaning means mounted within said cylinder and projecting sufficiently through the spaces between said rings and into the path defined adjacent said cylinder to engage and clean a face of a piece of meat moved therepast.

6. The machine of claim 5 wherein the members in said cylinder include spaced upstanding projections, each pair of which receives and guides one of the rings therethrough.

7. The machine of claim 6 wherein said projections are of a lesser height than said rings and oriented in an alternately staggered relationship to each other along at least one edge of each member.

8. The machine of claim 5 wherein each cylinder includes a mounting means at each end thereof, said members extending between and being affixed to said mounting means, and means for effecting a slight rotational adjustment of each cylinder about an axis laterally outward thereof.

9. The machine of claim 5 including an elongated scrap receiving tray mounted longitudinally within each cylinder outward and slightly below the corresponding meat cleaning means for a reception of the cleaned scraps therefrom.

10. The machine of claim 9 wherein each meat cleaning means comprises an elongated, rotatable brush unit having a plurality of outwardly extending flaps mounted thereon, each flap being flexible and longitudinally spaced from the adjoining longitudinally oriented 'flap sufficiently to accommodate one of the gripping rings therebetween.

11. The machine of claim 10 including an elongated flap scraper secured adjacent said flaps for selective engagement by the corresponding flaps upon a rotation of said brush unit, the scraper being oriented to scrape particles from the flaps as they are engaged thereby.

12. The machine of claim 11 including a rotatably mounted table positioned below and in meat receiving orientation relative to said path, said path discharging on said table toward one edge thereof whereby a rotation of said table will effect an outward directing of the received cleaned meat to an easily accessible point outward of said path.

13. The machine of claim 12 wherein said table is oriented at an upward inclination with the surface thereof incorporating a series of segmentally shaped removable screen-like trays.

14. A meat cleaning machine comprising a supporting structure, first and second cooperating cleaning sections on said support structure, mounting means mounting one of said sections slightly above and to one side of the other section for a gravity induced movement toward the other section and a gravity resisted movement away from the other section along a predetermined path, adjustable stop means for selectively limiting the movement of the one section toward the other section at any one of a plurality of points, each cleaning section rotatably mounting an elongated meat gripping and moving cylinder, said cylinders being oriented in laterally spaced parallel relation to each other and defining a path therebetween for movement of meat therealong by 

1. A meat cleaning machine comprising a supporting structure, first and second cooperating cleaning sections on said support structure, each cleaning section rotatably mounting an elongated meat gripping and moving cylinder, said cylinders being oriented in laterally spaced parallel relation to each other and defining a path therebetween for movement of meat therealong by said cylinders, each cylinder comprising a plurality of gripping rings, internal mounting members for said gripping rings, said members extending internally through said rings and contacting the internal surfaces of the rings at at least three separate points on each ring which points are so located with respect to the centers of the rings that each ring is constrained from shifting to an eccentric position, means on said members for separating said rings in coaxial spaced relation to each other, rotation of each cylinder being effected by a simultaneous rotation of each of the rings thereof about the corresponding members, means for rotatably driving the rings of eacy cylinder in a synchronized manner, and inwardly directed meat cleaning means mounted within each cylinder and projecting sufficiently through the spaces between said rings and into the path defined between said cylinders to engage and clean the opposed faces of a piece of meat moved therealong by said cylinders.
 2. The machine of claim 1 wherein one of said sections is mounted slightly above and to one side of the other section, and mounting means mounting said one section relative to the other section for a gravity induced movement toward the other section and a gravity resisted movement away from the other section along a predetermined path, the movement of the one section relative to the other section being responsive to the thickness of the particular cut of meat introduced therebetween.
 3. The machine of claim 1 wherein the members in each cylinder include spaced upStanding projections, each pair of which receives and guides one of the rings therethrough.
 4. The machine of claim 3 wherein said projections are of a lesser height than said rings and oriented in an alternately staggered relationship to each other along at least one edge of each member.
 5. The machine of claim 4 wherein each cylinder includes a mounting ring at each end thereof, said members extending between and being affixed to said mounting rings, and means for effecting a slight rotational adjustment of each cylinder about an axis laterally outward thereof.
 6. The machine of claim 5 including an elongated scrap receiving tray mounted longitudinally within each cylinder outward and slightly below the corresponding meat cleaning means for a reception of the cleaned scraps therefrom.
 7. The machine of claim 6 wherein each meat cleaning means comprises a brush unit including an elongated shaft having a plurality of radially extending flaps mounted thereon, each flap being flexible and longitudinally spaced from the adjoining longitudinally oriented flap sufficiently to accommodate one of the gripping rings therebetween.
 8. The machine of claim 7 including a pair of collars positioned to the opposite sides of said flaps and rotatably receiving the flap mounting shaft therethrough, and an elongated flap scraper secured to and between said collars for selective engagement by the corresponding flaps upon a rotation of the shaft and flaps therewith, the scraper being oriented to direct the scraped particles from the flaps into the associated scrap tray.
 9. The machine of claim 8 including a rotatably mounted table positioned below and in meat receiving orientation relative to said path defined between the meat gripping and moving cylinders, said path discharging on said table toward one edge thereof whereby a rotation of said table will effect an outward directing of the received cleaned meat to an easily accessible point outward of the path between these cylinders.
 10. The machine of claim 9 wherein said table is oriented at an upward inclination with the surface thereof incorporating a series of segmentally shaped removable screen-like trays.
 11. A meat cleaning machine comprising a supporting structure, first and second cooperating cleaning sections on said support structure, mounting means mounting one of said sections slightly above and to one side of the other section for a gravity induced movement toward the other section and a gravity resisted movement away from the other section along a predetermined path, adjustable stop means for selectively limiting the movement of the one section toward the other section at any one of a plurality of points, each cleaning section rotatably mounting an elongated meat gripping and moving cylinder, said cylinders being oriented in laterally spaced parallel relation to each other and defining a path therebetween for movement of meat therealong by said cylinders, each cylinder comprising a plurality of gripping rings, spaced arcuate guide members mounting said rings in coaxial spaced relation to each other, rotation of each cylinder being effected by a simultaneous rotation of each of the rings thereof about the corresponding arcuate guide members, and means for rotatably driving the rings of each cylinder in a synchronized manner, and inwardly directed meat cleaning means mounted within each cylinder and sufficiently projectable into the path defined therebetween so as to engage and clean the opposed faces of a piece of meat moved therealong by said cylinders, the movement of the one cleaning section relative to the other section being responsive to the thickness of the particular cut of meat introduced therebetween.
 12. A meat cleaning machine comprising a supporting structure, at least one cleaning section on said support structure, said cleaning section rotatably mounting an elongated meat gripping and moving cylinder, said cylinder being oriented adjacent a path for movement of meat therepast, said cylindeR comprising a plurality of gripping rings, internal mounting members for said gripping rings, said members extending internally through said rings and contacting the internal surfaces of the rings at at least three separate points on each ring which points are so located with respect to the centers of the rings that each ring is constrained from shifting to an eccentric position, means on said members for separating said rings in coaxial spaced relation to each other, rotation of said cylinder being effected by a simultaneous rotation of each of the rings thereof about the corresponding members, means for rotatably driving the rings of said cylinder in a synchronized manner, and inwardly directed meat cleaning means mounted within said cylinder and projecting sufficiently through the spaces between said rings and into the path defined adjacent said cylinder to engage and clean a face of a piece of meat moved therepast.
 13. The machine of claim 12 wherein the members in said cylinder include spaced upstanding projections, each pair of which receives and guides one of the rings therethrough.
 14. The machine of claim 13 wherein said projections are of a lesser height than said rings and oriented in an alternately staggered relationship to each other along at least one edge of each member. 